The agrifood systems of today are affected by multiple challenges that if not properly addressed, may lead to significant environmental, social, and economic impacts on farmer and consumer communities around the world. There is a global consensus that business-as-usual is not an option. Complex issues require innovative and sustainable solutions, transformative systems thinking, and paradigm shifts. Agroecology is increasingly seen as one of the innovative approaches that can contribute to conservation of biodiversity, save resources and energy, and ultimately support the sustainable agrifood systems transformation. Pluralistic Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) are best positioned to facilitate and accelerate innovations and transformative processes at the heart of rural communities, bridging communities, organizations, and decision-makers.

FAO promotes extension and advisory services which have positioned producers and sustainability at the center of the innovation process, and hence are aligned with the main principles of agroecological philosophy. As it is quite a new area, efforts are needed to enable Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) to support effective and efficient agroecology approaches.

Therefore, FAO is organizing an e-discussion and webinar on this topic to share experiences and knowledge, document good practices, and initiate a global dialogue on EAS and agroecology.

Please join the e-discussion here and Register for the webinar here